Los Angeles Clippers guard Chauncey Billups suffered a torn left Achilles tendon in the team's 107-102 win at Orlando on Monday and will miss the rest of the NBA season, the team said Tuesday.

"He will return to Los Angeles on Thursday for further evaluation. A date for surgery is yet to be determined."

In 20 games this season, Billups has averaged 14.9 points, 4.0 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 30.4 minutes per game.

The 35-year-old lent a solid veteran presence to a team on the rise with young stars such as Blake Griffin.

Billups' teammates knew Monday night that he might have suffered a significant injury, and even though they battled to an overtime victory over Orlando, the mood in the locker room after the game was somber.

"It felt like somebody kicked me, man," Billups said as he ambled toward the team bus with the aid of crutches and a walking boot. "I don't know if it's torn, but I know it's not good."

The injury occurred midway through the fourth quarter. Billups fell to the court as he tried to change directions while chasing the ball after missing a three-point attempt. There was no contact with another player.

"Whenever that happens when no one is around, that's all the possibilities of a rupture," coach Vinny Del Negro said. "I'm sick about it."

I really hope the Clips get JR Smith. Its one of the only places he'd be held accountable and actually have to grow up or else he'll get his ass kicked by CP3 and Billups. He'd be an awesome fit with all the shots Blake and CP create.

Yep. I dont think therell be a huge dropoff as of now with starting Foye instead of Billups though. Billups hasnt really played well in most games this year and Foye isnt playing as stupid as he has in the past, hes more under control now. Hes just gotta knock down the shots given.

i feel sorry for billups. He was my favourite player in the league for a very long time. Still is my favourite actually, he's a warrior who plays the game at an elite level and makes those around him great. That's a true pg and one who imo is hall of fame worthy. I fear this'll impact the rest of his career to a great extent.

billups hasn't played well this season so the only way i see that it will affect them is missing the veteran, playoff experience that he brings. but lets not exaggerate that either. he'll be on the bench giving out advice and its not like chris paul hasn't been to the playoffs.
i actually think mo williams is a better fit at SG than billups so all in all, they won't feel the lose of billups that much

from a basketball perspective it doesn't really hurt them that much because i think at SG, Mo and Billups are a wash. I do think this hampers their ability to be players at the trade deadline, it gives them less to work with. I figured they'd be able to package Mo and a pick to get a nice SG but it looks like for now they're gonna bank on JR Smith.

from a basketball perspective it doesn't really hurt them that much because i think at SG, Mo and Billups are a wash. I do think this hampers their ability to be players at the trade deadline, it gives them less to work with. I figured they'd be able to package Mo and a pick to get a nice SG but it looks like for now they're gonna bank on JR Smith.

I think Billups' injury hurts the Clippers a lot. First, the Clippers' depth is significantly affected. If they move Williams to the starting lineup, they lose their best scorer off the bench. If they keep Williams on the bench and start Foye, they lose a perimeter scoring threat, especially one able to hit the deep 3. Foye is just too erratic to be a starter.

Second, Billups is a very good defender, including against SGs. Williams isn't a good defender. Foye is adequate against PGs but he struggles against bigger SGs.

Third, the Clippers will miss Billups' leadership and calm presence on the court. Williams can be play out of control at times while Foye is extremely inconsistent.

billups hasn't played well this season so the only way i see that it will affect them is missing the veteran, playoff experience that he brings. but lets not exaggerate that either. he'll be on the bench giving out advice and its not like chris paul hasn't been to the playoffs.
i actually think mo williams is a better fit at SG than billups so all in all, they won't feel the lose of billups that much

I guess you haven't seen them play or else you would see that he plays 30 mins a game and is always on the floor in crunch time hitting big shots.He isn't shooting that well from the field but he is shooting 38% from 3 which is big considering the clippers don't really need scoring from midrange since they have 2 monsters inside and shooters on the perimeter.

Also Caron Butler referred to billups as the captain in a post game interview last night.